ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Paula Bennett: Tipping is a 'meaningful way to say thanks'

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Mon, 22 May 2017, 10:30am
Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett (Photo / NZME)
Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett (Photo / NZME)

Paula Bennett: Tipping is a 'meaningful way to say thanks'

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Mon, 22 May 2017, 10:30am

The Deputy Prime Minister has responded to criticism of her open letter to the New Zealand Herald, in which she called for service staff to be tipped.

Paula Bennett tweeted that tipping is a "meaningful way" to say thank you to service staff, and that she is not calling for it to be compulsory or replace wages. 

Ms Bennett, who is also Minister of Tourism, went public with her support for tipping, something that's not traditional in New Zealand, this morning.

In a letter to the New Zealand Herald's editor, Ms Bennett said she seconds a call for service staff to be tipped.

She thinks the service in New Zealand is good, and always tips for excellent service.

Ms Bennett is encouraging others to do the same too, if they want standards to continue to improve.

Read Deputy PM Paula Bennett's letter below:

I second the call for our service staff to be tipped. I always enjoy Matt Heath's view on a Monday morning for a bit of humour to start my week and found myself nodding in complete agreement this time. People come to NZ for our beautiful landscapes and beaches, they leave talking about the wonderful people they meet. Overall I think the service in NZ is good, I always tip for excellent service and encourage others to too if we want standards to continue to improve. Great waitstaff can make a good meal an excellent experience, say thank you with your wallet!

- Paula Bennett, Minister of Tourism

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you